BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Erie County Sheriff’s Office has announced their participation in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back.

The April 30 event seeks to collect unused or unwanted prescriptions pills and patches.

The Sheriff’s Office says languishing medicines in homes are susceptible to abuse, misuse and diversion. This information is supported by what the Sheriff’s Office calls “alarmingly high” rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States.

Many abused prescription drugs are gained through friends and family, according to a study cited by the Sheriff’s Office.

Usual habits of simply flushing drugs down the toilet or throwing them away are not advised by authorities, as they could pose health hazards.

Because of this, the Sheriff’s Office is offering three drop-off points in the county where residents can leave their prescription drugs anonymously with no questions asked.

The locations are:

Bertrand-Chaffee Hospital — 224 E. Main St., Springville

Grand Island Town Hall — 2255 Baseline Rd.

Town Recreation Dept. — 4540 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg

In addition to this, Dunkirk Police also announced their participation in the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Monday. Those who wish to get rid of their medications can do so at WCA ALSTAR Services’ North Headquarters behind School #3 at Route 60 and Orchard Street.

Residents can drop off their drugs at these locations from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Syringes and liquids will not be accepted.

This past September, 350 tons of prescription drugs were turned in at thousands of national sites operated by the DEA and other members of law enforcement. Locally, over the course of 2015, 30,000 pounds of drugs and syringes were relinquished at locations in Erie County.

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